Mazda to Lease Demio Electric Cars in Japan

Mazda Motor Corporation is independently developing an electric car with plans to commence leasing in Japan in spring 2012.

The new electric car, based on its Demio subcompact, is expected to have a driving range of 200 kilometers (about 124 miles) and will be leased mainly to local government bodies and fleet customers.

Mazda is currently advancing its Building Block Strategy, which prioritizes the improvement of base technologies by developing more efficient engines and transmissions and reducing vehicle weight.

Building on this, Mazda will progressively introduce electric devices such as regenerative braking and hybrid systems. The initial results of the strategy – products featuring Mazda’s new, eco-friendly SKYACTIV technologies – will begin rolling out to markets this year.

In parallel with the Building Block Strategy, Mazda is also continuing its research and development efforts into EVs designed for customers with short city commutes. Through this EV lease program, Mazda hopes to enhance its knowledge of EV usage requirements and electric drive technologies.